What’s your stage name and where are you from?

My name is Mike Martinez. I’m from Flagler Beach, FL by way of Connecticut & Massachusetts.

What’s the story behind your stage name?

I’ve gone by several names over my 20+ years releasing music. ActOne, Mike Twain, Mike Murderer… Instead of continuing to change it, I decided I would just go by my real name.

Describe your musical journey in three sentences.

I was a hip-hop head and graffiti writer in highschool who played bass and screamed in hardcore bands. I figured it was easier to create music without needing to rely on a band & began to focus on rapping. Years later I began to focus on making beats and really locked in!

Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.

I am probably most known for my sample-heavy production. I recently decided I would do a sample free project where I play bass & guitar and rap over metal beats. It’ll be out soon. It was enjoyable to switch up my usual production style & keep people guessing so they can’t box me in.

What message do you want to convey through your music?

My songs capture the current moment. My thoughts, feelings, ideas & aspirations. My music is a photograph of a moment in time. It’s very important to me to just express where I’m at. People can always relate to that.

Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.

I am constantly doubting myself, especially in terms of my production, both beatmaking and mixing. Despite any accolades I’ve received, I am always second guessing my abilities. The way I overcome that is by not giving up and continually striving to improve my skills.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

That answer changes constantly but in this moment, I would love to get Wiki on one of my beats!

Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?

I am always seeking to collaborate with new artists. So definitely expect more of that. I am also working toward making music my main source of income, so I will be taking steps to make that reality this year.

What’s the next big step for you as an artist?

Collaboration! As a producer that is the best way for me to expand awareness of my brand. I have some tracks with big artists set to drop this year that I am very much looking forward to putting out into the universe.

Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?

My latest album is a collaboration with rapper G Fam Black called ‘Thru the Eyes of a Madman.” It’s available everywhere!